Volkswagen Beetle (2015 year). Instruction — part 21

As long as the indicator lights

,

or

are on, expect engine malfunctions, increased fuel

consumption, and loss of engine efficiency.

Catalytic converter

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The catalytic converter provides exhaust gas after-treatment to help reduce pollutants in the exhaust
gas. To help ensure long service life of the exhaust system and gasoline engine catalytic converter:

Only use unleaded fuel.
Never completely empty the fuel tank.

Do not exceed the correct oil level

⇒ Engine oil.

Do not tow the vehicle to start it, but use a jump-start instead

⇒ Jump-starting.

If you experience misfires, loss of power or the engine is not running smoothly while driving, reduce
speed immediately and have the vehicle checked by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or authorized
Volkswagen Service Facility. Otherwise, gasoline could reach the exhaust system and get into the
atmosphere. The catalytic converter could also be damaged by overheating!

Under certain engine conditions, you may smell a sulfur odor. This is not an indication of a

malfunctioning emission control system. This depends upon the sulfur content of the diesel fuel.

Diesel particulate filter

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The diesel particulate filter helps take soot particles out of the exhaust. The soot particles are collected
and periodically burned in the filter at high temperatures (regeneration). The resulting heat can cause
the temperature inside the engine compartment to increase.

Regeneration can create noises, slight smells, and, regardless of the outside temperature, cause the
radiator fan to start – even after the engine has been turned off.

Volkswagen recommends frequently driving longer distances to help clean the filter. On vehicles with
automatic transmissions, the engine speed may also increase slightly. The indicator light

will not

come on.

To lengthen the life of the exhaust system and the diesel particulate filter:

Use only Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel No. 2

⇒ Fuel.

Never refuel with gasoline or fuel oil or biodiesel that does not comply with the special

requirements for diesel fuel

⇒ Diesel fuel.

Never drive until the fuel tank is completely empty.

Do not exceed the correct oil level

⇒ Engine oil.

Do not tow the vehicle to start, but use a jump-start instead

⇒ Jump-starting.

WARNING

Obey all applicable legal requirements when cleaning the diesel particulate filter.

Clean the diesel particulate filter as recommended only when visibility, weather, road, and

traffic conditions permit.

Do not put others at risk.

Under certain engine conditions, you may smell a sulfur odor. This is not an indication of a

malfunctioning emission control system. This depends upon the sulfur content of the diesel fuel.

Lift points for the vehicle

Fig. 150 Front lift point for workshop hoist or floor jack.

Fig. 151 Rear lift point for workshop hoist or floor jack.

The vehicle may only be raised at the lift points shown in illustrations

⇒

fig. 150

and

⇒

fig. 151

. If the

vehicle is lifted at different points, vehicle damage

⇒ and serious injuries may occur ⇒

.

Workshop hoists that use fluid cushions (receiving platforms) must not be used for lifting the vehicle.

There are many precautions that have to be followed when lifting a vehicle on a workshop hoist or
floor jack. Do not try to lift a vehicle on a workshop hoist or floor jack unless you have the training,
knowledge, and experience to be able to do so safely.

Information about lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack

⇒ Lifting the vehicle with the vehicle jack.

WARNING

Improperly lifting your vehicle with a workshop hoist or a floor jack can cause the vehicle to
fall off and cause serious personal injury.

Always read and heed the operating instructions from the floor jack manufacturer and

legal regulations if necessary before using the floor jack to lift the vehicle.

Never let anyone stay in the vehicle when it is being lifted or when it is off the ground.
Always lift your vehicle only at the designated lift points shown in the illustrations

⇒

fig. 150

and

⇒

fig. 151

. Not using the designated lift points can cause the vehicle to fall off

the floor jack when heavy parts such as the engine or transmission are removed.

Always make sure that the vehicle's lift points lie as flat as possible and centered on the

carrier plates of the floor jack.

Never start the engine when you have raised the vehicle on the floor jack. The engine

vibrations and vehicle movements could knock the vehicle off the floor jack.

If you must work under a vehicle raised on a floor jack, always make sure that the vehicle

is safely supported on safety stands intended for that purpose that are strong enough to
support the weight of the vehicle.

Never use the floor jack as a ladder or step ladder.
Always make sure that the weight of the vehicle is not heavier than the lifting capacity of

the floor jack and safety stands being used.

NOTICE

To help prevent serious vehicle damage, never lift the vehicle by the engine oil pan,

transmission housing, or by the front or rear axles or suspension.

To help prevent damage to the underbody or chassis, always insert a rubber pad between

the hoist and the lifting points. In addition make sure the lifting arms have enough clearance.

The lifting arms should not touch side sills or other parts of the vehicle.

In an emergency

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Protecting yourself and the vehicle

More information:

Braking and parking
Emergency closing and opening
Vehicle tool kit
Changing a wheel

WARNING

A vehicle breakdown in traffic is dangerous and creates a great risk for you, your
passengers, and others.

Always stop the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Move the vehicle a safe distance off

the road where it is safe to park and, if necessary, lock all doors in an emergency. Turn on
the emergency flashers and set up another warning device about 25 yards (25 meters) behind
the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves alone in

the vehicle when locking the doors. This could result in people being trapped in the vehicle in
an emergency. Depending on the time of year, people trapped in the vehicle can be exposed
to very high or very low temperatures.

Protecting yourself and the vehicle

Fig. 152 In the center of the instrument panel: Button for the emergency flashers.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

Obey all legal requirements regarding protecting a broken-down vehicle. For example, turning on the
emergency flashers and wearing a safety vest are mandatory in many countries.

Checklist

For your own safety and that of your passengers, carry out the following steps in the order listed
⇒

:

1. Park the vehicle at a safe distance from traffic and on a suitable surface

⇒

.

2. Switch on emergency flashers by pressing the

button

⇒

fig. 152

.

3. Apply the parking brake to help prevent the vehicle from moving

⇒ Braking and parking.

4. Shift the transmission into Park (P) (automatic) or Neutral (manual only)

⇒ Shifting.

5. Stop the engine and remove the key from the ignition switch

⇒ Starting and stopping the engine.

6. Have all passengers exit and go to a safe location away from moving traffic, such as behind a

guard rail.

7. Take all vehicle keys with you when leaving your vehicle.

8. Set up a warning triangle or other warning device in order to alert other motorists and cyclists.

9. Let the engine cool down and get expert assistance if necessary.

If the emergency flashers are on, use the turn signal lever to indicate a direction or lane change, for
example when the vehicle is being towed. This temporarily interrupts the emergency flashers.

Switch on the emergency flashers when:

Traffic suddenly slows down or stops in front of you to warn those approaching from behind.
In any emergency situation.
If the vehicle breaks down.
When being towed.

Always obey traffic laws that govern the use of emergency flashers where you are driving.

If the emergency flashers are not working, a different method – as permitted by law – must be used to
alert other motorists and cyclists to the breakdown.

WARNING

Disregarding the safety-related checklist may lead to accidents and serious personal injuries.

Always review and follow the checklist. Follow accepted safety practices and use common

sense.

WARNING

The vehicle exhaust system and the catalytic converter or diesel particulate filter get very hot.
They can cause fires and serious personal injury.

Never park where parts of the hot exhaust system or catalytic converter could ignite

flammable materials, such as dry grass, brush, leaves, spilled fuel, etc.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the vehicle if you should have to push it a short distance by hand,
never push against spoilers, lights, body panels, windows, or similar parts. Concentrating
force on these parts of the vehicle can cause expensive damage that may not always be
obvious right away.

The vehicle battery will be drained if the emergency flashers are on for a long time – even if the

ignition is switched off.

Emergency closing and opening

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Manually unlocking and locking the driver door

Manually locking the passenger door

Opening the rear hatch from inside the luggage compartment

Emergency release for the fuel filler flap

Emergency release for the selector lever lock

The doors and the rear hatch can be manually locked and, in some cases, unlocked if necessary, for
instance because the power locking system or the remote control vehicle key malfunctions.

More information:

Vehicle key set
Power locking system
Doors
Rear hatch
In an emergency

WARNING

Serious injuries can result if the emergency closing and opening procedures are used
carelessly.

Never leave children, disabled persons, or anyone who cannot help themselves in the

vehicle. The doors can be locked with the remote control vehicle key. This could result in
people being trapped in the vehicle in an emergency.

A closed vehicle can become very hot or very cold, depending on the season. Particularly

in the summer, heat buildup in the passenger and luggage compartment of a parked vehicle
can result in temperatures in the vehicle that are much higher than the outside temperatures.
Temperatures can quickly reach levels that can cause unconsciousness and death,
particularly to small children.

WARNING

Careless opening and closing of the doors, the rear hatch, and the power sunroof is
dangerous and can cause serious personal injury.

Open or close the doors, the rear hatch, and the power sunroof only when no one is in the

way.

NOTICE

If the vehicle's battery fails or the power windows won't work, the door windows are not
lowered when the door is opened or closed. Always close and open the door carefully to help
prevent damage to the window, the paint, or the rubber seal.

NOTICE

To help prevent vehicle damage, carefully remove and properly reinstall parts after emergency
locking or unlocking.

Manually unlocking and locking the driver door

Fig. 153 Door handle on driver door: Concealed lock cylinder.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

When locking the vehicle manually, all doors are locked. Keep the key turned in the locking position to
close the windows and the power sunroof (convenience closing). When the vehicle is unlocked
manually, only the driver door is unlocked. Keep the key turned in the unlocking position to open the

windows and the power sunroof. Note the instructions for the anti-theft alarm system

⇒ Power locking

system.

Unfold the key bit from the remote control vehicle key

⇒ Vehicle key set.

If the vehicle has a concealed lock cylinder, insert the key bit from below into the opening of the

cover cap on the driver door

⇒

fig. 153

(arrow) and lift the cover cap off. Grasping the door handle and

pulling slightly makes it easier to remove the cap.

Insert the key bit into the lock cylinder of the driver door and unlock or lock the door.
Reinsert the cover cap from top to bottom and press until it clicks into place. Grasping the door

handle and pulling slightly makes it easier to reinstall the cap.

Special considerations when unlocking:

If the vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm system, the system remains activated for the

unlocked vehicle. But the alarm is not triggered at first

⇒ Power locking system.

Open the driver door. The alarm will sound.
Switch on the ignition. For vehicles with Keyless Access, deactivate the alarm by holding the

remote control vehicle key to the right of the steering column trim and pressing the starter button

⇒

Starting and stopping the engine, if necessary. The electronic immobilizer recognizes a valid remote
control vehicle key when the ignition is switched on and deactivates the anti-theft alarm system.

The driver door can be unlocked separately from the inside the vehicle by pulling the door handle

to open the door

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside.

The anti-theft alarm system, when installed, is not activated when the vehicle is locked manually

with the key bit

⇒ Anti-theft alarm system.

Manually locking the passenger door

Fig. 154 On the edge of the passenger door: Manually locking the door with the vehicle key.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The passenger door can be locked manually. This will not activate the anti-theft alarm system, when
installed.

Manually locking the passenger door

Open the door.

Unfold the key bit from the remote control vehicle key

⇒ Vehicle key set.

Insert the key bit into the slot and turn clockwise

⇒

fig. 154

(arrow) to the locked position.

Close the door.
Make sure that the door is locked.
Have the vehicle checked immediately by an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an authorized

Volkswagen Service Facility.

The passenger door can be unlocked and opened separately from inside the vehicle by pulling

the door handle to open the door

⇒ Unlocking or locking the vehicle from the inside.

Opening the rear hatch from inside the luggage compartment

Fig. 155 View from luggage compartment: Opening the rear hatch.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

If necessary, fold the rear seat backrests forward

⇒ Seat functions.

Remove luggage in order to reach the rear hatch from the inside.

Unfold the key bit from the vehicle key fob

⇒ Vehicle key set.

Insert the key into the slot on the rear hatch

⇒

fig. 155

.

Press the release lever in the direction of the arrow

⇒

fig. 155

to unlock the rear hatch and press

upward at the same time until it opens.

Emergency release for the fuel filler flap

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

There is no emergency release for the fuel filler flap. Contact an authorized Volkswagen dealer or an
authorized Volkswagen Service Facility for assistance.

Emergency release for the selector lever lock

Fig. 156 Removing the selector gate cover.

Fig. 157 Releasing the selector lever lock.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

If the power supply fails (due to a dead vehicle battery, for example) and the vehicle has to be pushed
or towed, the emergency release must be used to move the selector lever to Neutral (N).

The emergency release is located under the selector gate cover on the right side when viewed in the
driving direction.

Preparations

Set the parking brake. If the parking brake cannot be set firmly, you must find another way to help

prevent the vehicle from moving.

Switch off the ignition.

Removing the selector gate cover

Pull upward on the cover around the selector lever sleeve

⇒

fig. 156

.

Slip the cover up and over the selector lever

⇒

.

Emergency release for the selector lever

Push the colored release lever

⇒

fig. 157

in the direction of the arrow and hold it in this position.

Press the release button in the selector lever handle and shift the selector lever to Neutral (N).

Carefully press the selector gate cover back in place, making sure that the electrical wiring stays in

the correct position and is not pinched or damaged.

WARNING

Never shift the transmission out of Park (P) without first firmly applying the parking brake.
Otherwise, the vehicle can start to roll unexpectedly, especially on hills or inclines, and cause
an accident and serious injuries.

NOTICE

Even with the selector lever is in Neutral (N), the automatic transmission will be damaged if the
vehicle is towed (or you let it coast) for an extended period or at high speed with the engine
shut off.

Vehicle tool kit

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Storage

Contents

When securing the vehicle after a breakdown, always obey all applicable legal requirements.

More information:

Working in the engine compartment
In an emergency
Changing a wheel

WARNING

Loose tools and other items in the vehicle tool kit and a loose compact spare wheel may be
thrown through the passenger compartment if you brake suddenly or steer sharply or are
involved in an accident. This can cause severe injuries.

Always make sure the vehicle tool kit and compact spare wheel are securely stowed in the

luggage compartment.

WARNING

Improper or damaged vehicle tools can lead to accidents and injury.

Never work with tools that are damaged or not right for the job.

Storage

Fig. 158 In the luggage compartment: Floor covering raised and 1 secured.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The vehicle tool kit is in the luggage compartment in one of several places, such as under the luggage
compartment floor panel.

Open the rear hatch

⇒ Luggage compartment.

Lift the floor panel by the handle and hang it on the hook beneath the luggage compartment cover

⇒

fig. 158

(1)

.

Completely retract the jack after use. Otherwise it will not fit in its compartment and cannot be

stowed safely.

Contents

Fig. 159 Contents of the vehicle tool kit.

Please first read and note the introductory information and heed the WARNINGS

The contents of the vehicle tool kit depend on the vehicle's equipment. The following describes the
maximum contents.

Contents of the vehicle tool kit

⇒

fig. 159

(1)

Screwdriver with a hexagonal socket in the handle for removing or inserting previously
loosened wheel bolts. The screwdriver blade is reversible. The screwdriver may be stored
under the lug wrench. For vehicles with a subwoofer in the luggage compartment, the tool kit
contains a Torx bit for the screwdriver. Use the screwdriver with the Torx bit to remove or install
the subwoofer screws.

(2)

Screw-in towing eye.

(3)

Hubcap puller clip for removing hubcaps, wheel covers, or wheel bolt caps.

(4)

Jack. Before putting the jack back in the foam insert, be sure to completely crank the jack down
to its original position.

(5)

Lug wrench.

(6)

Crank.

Maintaining the vehicle jack

The vehicle jack requires no regular maintenance. If necessary, apply multi-purpose grease to the
joints of the vehicle jack.

Wheel trim

Introduction

In this section you’ll find information about:

Hubcaps

Wheel bolt caps

Wheel covers

More information:

Exterior care and cleaning
Vehicle tool kit
Changing a wheel

WARNING

Unsuitable wheel covers and improper installation of wheel covers can cause accidents and
severe injuries.

Improperly installed wheel covers can come loose while driving and endanger other

motorists and cyclists.

Do not use damaged wheel covers.
Always make sure that the flow of air for brake system cooling is not blocked or reduced

before installing wheel covers. This applies to both factory-installed wheel covers and
aftermarket wheel covers. Insufficient air supply may significantly increase stopping
distance.

NOTICE

To help prevent damage to the vehicle, be careful when removing wheel covers and be sure to
install them properly.